Looking for Charter Boat Insurance?
Protect your charter boat business from vessel damage, passenger injuries, liability claims, and marine accidents. Harper provides insurance for fishing charters, sailing tours, and passenger vessel operators, with fast certificates for the Coast Guard, marinas, and lenders.
What is Charter Boat Insurance?
Charter boat insurance protects marine charter operations against risks including vessel damage, passenger injuries, marine accidents, and third-party liability claims. Coverage commonly includes hull and machinery protection, protection and indemnity (P&I), and passenger liability. The Coast Guard, marinas, and lenders typically require proof of insurance before licensing, docking, or financing vessels.
Who Needs Charter Boat Insurance?
- Fishing charter captains : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Sailing and sightseeing tour operators : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Passenger vessel services : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Diving and excursion charter boats : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
Why Harper?
Charter Boat & Marine Expertise
Charter operations involve passenger safety, vessel maintenance, and regulatory oversight. Harper understands the risks associated with marine operations, Coast Guard compliance, and passenger liability and offers coverage specifically designed for charter businesses.
Fast Proof for Licensing and Docking
The Coast Guard, marinas, and lenders often require specific insurance documentation. Harper delivers accurate certificates quickly and assists with additional insured requirements to keep licenses and docking agreements in place.
Clear, Practical Guidance
We explain hull coverage, protection and indemnity (P&I), Jones Act considerations, and passenger liability in clear terms so you understand how coverage applies to your charter operations.
Coverage Matched to Your Charters
Whether you operate fishing charters, sailing tours, diving excursions, whale watching, or sightseeing cruises, Harper helps align coverage with how your vessels are used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do charter boats need?
Most charter boats need hull and machinery coverage for vessel damage, protection and indemnity (P&I) for passenger and third-party liability, and Jones Act coverage for crew members. Pollution coverage is often required for commercial marine operations.
Is charter boat insurance required?
Yes. The Coast Guard requires liability coverage for licensed passenger vessels. Marinas typically require hull and liability insurance for docking, and lenders require hull coverage for financed vessels.
How much does charter boat insurance cost?
Costs vary by vessel value, passenger capacity, and operations. Small fishing charters may pay $3,000–$8,000 annually, while larger passenger vessels often range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more.
Does insurance cover passenger injuries?
Yes. Protection and indemnity (P&I) and passenger liability coverage can apply to injuries sustained by passengers during charters and marine operations, subject to policy terms.
Does insurance cover weather-related damage?
Hull coverage may protect vessels against storm damage, lightning strikes, and other weather-related losses, subject to navigational limits and policy conditions.
Can I add marinas as additional insureds?
Yes. Marina agreements commonly require being added as additional insureds, and Harper assists with certificates and endorsements for docking compliance.